Summary: It’s just going to be the same
here as it is everywhere else. No one likes a preacher who isn’t afraid to
speak truth and that’s what his dad does. With Zack gone there’s nothing for
him here anyway. Finding a new friend seems to help, but that new friend may
not be all that loyal – course who would be when faced with the treat of the
teacher’s whipping stick? It’s just one thing after another. All Ben wants is
for everything to go back to the way it was before – before the trouble with
the war, before the moves, before Zack left to join the army, before all the
change!

Notes: Third in the Ben and Zack
series, this book focuses exclusively on Ben outside of a couple letters
providing updates on Zack. The Civil War continues as do the other trials and
challenges of the time. The Orphan Train comes to town bringing more needy
children. Teachers hold great power over the lives of their students as the
smallest infraction results in a whipping. Epidemics can wipe out many in a
small community. And the indentured servant system is alive and well as is
slavery in certain parts of the country. Ben is having a hard time adjusting to
the change – new home, new school, new friends. This book takes a look at what
it means to be a good friend – a theme carried out in some of the others, but
really focused on in this one. A misunderstanding leads to a broken
relationship and it’s up to Ben to do what it takes to mend that brokenness.
This book also deals with another change for Ben – loss of a loved one. He has
to work through that some as well, although the adventure elements overshadow
this element. As with others in the series, there is some level of spiritual
element – Ben is a Christian and prays occasionally, but it’s not necessarily
dominate in the story.

Spiritual Content
Recommendation Scale: 4/5

Reviewer: J:-)mi

Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

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